Method for improving the bedtime routine of a child and articles in support thereof

ABSTRACT

A method for improving the bedtime routine of a child may include the steps of providing a childcare product to the caregiver, providing a first bedtime activity support to the caregiver, and communicating a first prompt to the caregiver. Articles supporting the method are also disclosed.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

Methods for establishing or improving the bedtime routine of a child byproviding a childcare product and a bedtime activity support to thecaregiver and by communicating a prompt to the caregiver. Articles insupport of the methods are also described.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

One of the more challenging aspects in caring for a baby or infant isestablishing good sleep patterns. Most parents are familiar with youngbabies (approximately 3-4 months old) who have difficulty establishing aday-night routine with the majority of sleep hours at night. Manyparents are well aware of the fatigue that accompanies a baby who isactive at night. More importantly, a baby that is overly active at nightmay not be getting the approximately 15 hours of sleep that most 3-4month olds need. The cognitive, social, and psychological developmentmay be impaired in sleep deprived babies. Four to tweleve month oldbabies begin exhibiting more adult-like sleep patterns and may besleeping through the night. During this stage, establishing healthysleep habits is a primary goal. Developing a sleep routine can aid inestablishing healthy sleep habits. By the time the child is one yearold, a regular bedtime may exist. Ideally, the bedtime is reinforced bya routine. Throughout early childhood (and even into adolscence andadulthood), early development and consistent maintainance of healthysleep habits may prevent many problems and may make dealing with theproblems that do occur much easier.

While establishing a consistent bedtime routine is important for childdevelopment and well-being, parents often lack the education and toolsnecessary to start such a routine. Parents may simply not know theimportance of a consistent bedtime routine. Parents may be unaware ofwhat should be done in a typical bedtime routine. Furthermore, parentsmay become distracted with the immediate care of the child or with otherconcerns such that attempts at establishing a bedtime routine aresporadic and anything but routine.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a method for assistingparents and caregivers in establishing a bedtime routine. It would bedesirable to provide a method that prompts parents and caregivers toinitiate the bedtime routine. It would also be desirable to providechildcare products, instructions, and other supporting materials thatmay help to establish, maintain, or enhance a bedtime routine.

It would also be desirable to provide a childcare product and a bedtimeactivity support that are associated in a common package or kit.Typically, a childcare product and a bedtime activity support will beused in or near the bedroom. Therefore, associating the childcareproduct and the bedtime activity support may make the use of the productand support more convenient. Associating the childcare product and thebedtime activity support may facilitate their continued and repeateduse, which further strengthens the bedtime routine.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a method for improvingor establishing a bedtime routine of a child comprising providing achildcare product to the caregiver, providing a first bedtime activitysupport to the caregiver, and communicating a first prompt to thecaregiver.

The method may further comprise the step of communicating a secondprompt to the caregiver after an interval of approximately 24 hours,wherein said first prompt and said second prompt are interrelated by acommon character or a common theme.

The method may further comprise the step of providing a second bedtimeactivity support to the caregiver about 24 hours after providing thefirst bedtime activity support, wherein the second activity support isinterrelated to the first bedtime activity support by a common characteror a common theme.

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to an array ofpackages. The array includes a first package comprising a firstplurality of childcare products and a first bedtime activity support,wherein said first bedtime activity support facilitates a firststructured interaction between a caregiver and a child. The array alsoincludes a second package comprising a second plurality of childcareproduct and a second bedtime activity support, wherein said secondbedtime activity support facilitates a second structured interactionbetween the caregiver and the child.

In a further aspect, the present invention is directed to an arraycomprising at least three packages. Each package comprises a pluralityof childcare products and a bedtime activity support. The bedtimeactivity support may be an installment of a story such that when theinstallments are combined, said installments complete the story.

In another aspect, the present invention is an array of materials insupport of a bedtime routine. The array of materials comprise apoint-of-sale display for use in a store; and a package comprising aplurality of childcare products and a bedtime activity support, whereinsaid bedtime activity support facilitates a first structured interactionbetween a caregiver and a child; wherein said package is associated withthe point-of-sale display.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing outand distinctly claiming the subject matter that is regarded as thepresent invention, it is believed that the invention will be more fullyunderstood from the following description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings. None of the drawings are necessarily to scale.

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a simplified bedtime routine.

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the method of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of several further steps that maybe included in the method.

FIGS. 4A-B depict a suitable childcare product as a package ofdisposable absorbent articles.

FIGS. 5A-B depict a suitable childcare product as a container of wipes.

FIGS. 6A-B depict point-of-sale displays.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As used herein, the following terms shall have the meaning specifiedthereafter:

“Absorbent article” refers to a device which absorbs and contains bodyexudates and, more specifically, refers to a device which is placedagainst or in proximity to the body of the wearer to absorb and containthe various exudates discharged from the body. Exemplary absorbentarticles include diapers, training pants, pull-on pant-type diapers(i.e., a diaper having a pre-formed waist opening and leg openings suchas illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,487), refastenable diapers orpant-type diapers, incontinence briefs and undergarments, diaper holdersand liners, absorbent inserts, and the like.

“Disposable” refers to items that are intended to be discarded after alimited number of uses, frequently a single use (i.e., the originalabsorbent article as a whole is not intended to be laundered or reusedas an absorbent article, although certain materials or portions of theabsorbent article may be recycled, reused, or composted). For example,certain disposable absorbent articles may be temporarily restored tosubstantially full functionality through the use ofremovable/replaceable components but the article is neverthelessconsidered to be disposable because the entire article is intended to bediscarded after a limited number of uses.

“Pant” refers to disposable absorbent articles having a pre-formed waistand leg openings. A pant may be donned by inserting a wearer's legs intothe leg openings and sliding the pant into position about the wearer'slower torso. Pants are also commonly referred to as “closed diapers”,“prefastened diapers”, “pull-on diapers”, “training pants” and“diaper-pants.” Pants may have refastenable fastening elements.

“Child” refers to a minor with whom a childcare product is used and whois the target of the bedtime routine. For purposes of this invention, a“child” may be a minor of any age including a newborn, a baby, atoddler, an infant, or a child.

“Childcare task” refers to providing care (e.g., bathing, hygiene,safety, cleaning, diapering, feeding, etc.) to or assisting in the careof a child by using a childcare product.

“Childcare product” refers to an item used in the care (e.g., bathing,hygiene, safety, cleaning, diapering, feeding, etc.) of a child. As willbe appreciated below, suitable childcare products include disposableabsorbent articles and wipes.

“Bedtime activity support” refers to a component, device, or item foruse in a bedtime activity. The bedtime activity support may facilitate,direct, or guide the structured interaction between the caregiver andchild.

“Bedtime activity” refers to an interaction between the caregiver thatestablishes, reinforces, or improves the bedtime routine.

“Bedtime routine” refers to a sequence of events performed to prepare achild for sleep. The sequence of events is ideally repeated. Thesequence of events is ideally repeated approximately every 24 hours toprepare a child for nighttime sleep.

“Installment” refers to a portion of a whole. When the installments arecombined, the whole may be appreciated. Installments may be providedover a course of time or at intervals.

“Time-Appropriate” refers to an event such as a prompt occurring at anlogically or reasonably prescribed time.

“Common character” refers to a visible representation of a person, ananimal, or an anthropomorphous image or vocalizations related to theperson, animal, or anthropomorphous image that are associated with atleast two or more of the following: a childcare product, a prompt, abedtime activity support, a notice, or a point-of-sale display.

“Common theme” refers to subject matter of a first item being related tosubject matter of a second item. Suitable items include childcareproducts, prompts, bedtime activity supports, notices, or point-of-saledisplays. Suitable subject matter may include the setting (e.g., outerspace, under-the-sea, mythical worlds, medieval, jungle, etc.), thestory line (e.g., journey home, playing with friends, going to bed,etc.), or elements (e.g., pets, sports equipment, toys, etc.) conveyedby the items.

“Point-of-sale display” refers to any setting or presentation of a childcare product, a bedtime activity support, or ancillary information inopen view in a store.

“Store” refers to any establishment that offers a childcare product forsale. A store may be a retail, wholesale, or commercial sales endeavor.Suitable stores include grocery stores, department stores, wholesaleclub stores, discount stores, drug stores, specialty boutiques, and thelike.

“Ancillary information” refers to any information, instruction, tips,advice, directions, coaching, guidance, or counsel directed toestablishing, reinforcing, or improving bedtime routine. Ancillaryinformation may be printed steps instructing the caregiver on how toestablish the bedtime routine. For example, the steps may direct thecaregiver to use the childcare product (e.g., change the child'sdiaper), to perform one or more bedtime activities, and to place thechild in a bed or crib. The ancillary information may include bedtimetips, child development information, child care information, practicalcaregiver advice, or the childcare product(s) information. Bedtime tipsmay include information on the right sleeping temperature, appropriatelighting and sound level, appropriate sleeping positions for the child,bed or crib paraphernalia, coping with nighttime crying, and other sleeprelated information. Child development information may includeinformation on how sleep impacts emotional development, cognitivegrowth, and/or the physical development including locomotion, mobility,motor skills, and coordination. Child development information may alsoinclude information on how much sleep a child needs at a given age.Child care information may include information related to feeding,health, diapering, skin care, and like child care topics. An exemplarycare tip may advise caregivers that applying a fresh diaper should beone event in a bedtime routine. Practical caregiver advice may includeother assorted advice relevant to the directed more to theresponsibilities and activities of the caregiver. For example, practicaladvice may include such topics as recipe/meal ideas, stress-reductionadvice, and dealing multiple children. Childcare product information mayinclude descriptions of the construction, design, materials, benefits,or other characteristics of the childcare product. Ancillary informationmay be conveyed by a prompt, a bedtime activity support, a notice, or apoint-of-sale display.

The present invention relates to methods for improving the bedtimeroutine of a child along with the articles that support the method.Several methods and articles will be discussed below. It should berecognized that methods need not include every step or article providedfor below. Furthermore, it should be recognized that the steps describedneed not occur in the order presented. Additionally, the steps may beperformed sequentially or may be performed concurrently.

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a simplified bedtime routine.The routine (10) begins with a caregiver initiating the bedtime routine(12). The caregiver may either perform a childcare task (14) or abedtime activity (16). The caregiver may then perform another childcaretask (12) and/or bedtime activity (14) or may place the child to sleep(18). The routine (10) may be repeated.

The present method is designed to improve the bedtime routine (10) andmay include providing the caregiver with a prompt, a childcare product,a bedtime activity support, a notice, and combinations thereof. Thepresent method may further comprise using a point-of-sale display. FIG.2 is a schematic representation of a several steps that may be includedin the method (20) of the present invention. The present method (20) isshown with unbroken lines. In contrast, the bedtime routine (10) isshown with dotted lines so that focus may be drawn to the steps of themethod (20). FIG. 2 depicts the step of communicating a prompt (30) tothe caregiver, which may serve to initiate the bedtime routine (12) bythe caregiver. The method (20) may further comprise providing achildcare product (40) to the caregiver, which may be used by thecaregiver to perform a childcare task (14). The method (20) may furthercomprise the step of providing a bedtime activity support (50) to thecaregiver, which may be used by the caregiver to perform the bedtimeactivity (14).

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of several further steps that maybe included in the method (20) of the present invention. Again, thebedtime routine (10) is shown with dotted lines so that focus may bedrawn to the steps of the method (20). The method (20) may comprise astep of communicating a notice (60) to the caregiver, which may be usedto inform the caregiver of the method (20) or any one or more of thesteps of the method (20). The method (20) may comprise the step of usinga point-of-sale display (70), which may be used to inform the caregiverof the method (20) of any one or more of the steps of the method (20).Having briefly described the method (20), each step of the method (20)and supporting articles related to the steps will now be furtherdefined.

The method (20) may comprise providing (40) a childcare product to thecaregiver. The childcare product provided may be any item that ispredominately used for child care including items related to hygiene,feeding, safety, health, and the like. Suitable child care products mayinclude disposable absorbent articles (e.g., diapers, pants, and thelike), wipes, powders, ointments, medications, hair brushes, bottles,pacifiers, wash cloths, towels, sanitizers, soap, child wash, childshampoo, baby lotion, sponges, bibs, eye drops, nasal aspirators,thermometers, changing pads, diaper disposal bags, and the like. In aone embodiment, the childcare product includes disposable absorbentarticles, wipes, packages containing disposable absorbent articles,containers container wipes, or combinations thereof.

Disposable absorbent articles such as diapers or pants are well-known inthe art. Exemplary diaper construction is detailed in U.S. Pat. Nos.3,860,003; 4,636,207; 4,695,278; 4,704,115; 4,795,454; 4,900,317;4,909,803 (Reissued as USRE34920); U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,085,654; 5,492,751;6,476,288; and SIR H1630. Exemplary pants construction is disclosed inU.S. Pat. Nos. 5,246,433; 5,569,234; 6,120,487; 6,120,489; 4,940,464;5,092,861; 5,897,545; 5,957,908; and U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/171,249.

In certain embodiments, more than one disposable absorbent article isprovided. FIG. 4A depicts disposable absorbent articles provided as apackage. The package 410 comprises a plurality of disposable absorbentarticles such as diapers 420 fully or partially covered by an overwrap430. The overwrap 430 may improve delivery and handling of multipledisposable absorbent articles. In one embodiment, the package 410 isdefined by numerous diapers 420 bound together as an entity and coveredby an overwrap 430 made from a thermoplastic film as disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 5,934,470. Other package configurations and overwraps areclearly envisioned. For example, the overwrap 430 may comprise a varietyof materials including, but not limited to, thermoplastic films,nonwovens, wovens, foils, fabrics, papers, cardboard, elastics, cords,straps, and combinations thereof. The package 410 may comprise a handle432. FIG. 4A illustrates the handle 432 as being an aperture through theoverwrap 430. The package 410 may also have an opening member 440. Theopening member 440 allows a caregiver to more easily open the overwrap430 and access the diapers 420. A suitable opening member 440 is a lineof weakness 442 such as perforations within the thermoplastic filmoverwrap 430. FIG. 4B illustrates the package 410 is an openconfiguration after the opening member 440 has been used. Other suitablepackages and methods for packaging are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,050,742 and 5,054,619. Furthermore, the package may contain multipleoverwraps. For example, a plurality of disposable absorbent articles maybe packaged with a thermoplastic film overwrap and then a plurality offilm wrapped diapers may be contained or bound by a second overwrap suchas a cardboard box or a second thermoplastic film overwrap. The package410 is also shown to include a story card 450 which will be describedbelow in reference to bedtime activity supports.

Wipes are well-known in the art and may also be referred to as wetwipes, dry wipe, pre-moistened wipes, towelettes, and the like. Wipesare commonly used to clean the anus, the perineum, the perianal andperineal area, and external genitalia after defecation or urination.Wipes are particularly useful and frequently used for cleansing duringdiaper changes. Wipes may be made of a material impregnated with aliquid or semi-liquid composition. The material of the wipes isgenerally soft and flexible. The material may have relatively highvalues of texture, caliper, and bulk for increased absorbency andcleansing. The liquid or semi-liquid composition impregnated into thewipe may enhance cleansing, skin softness, and/or skin condition.Exemplary wipe construction is detailed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,732,797;4,741,944; 4,772,501; 4,865,221; 4,904,524; 5,629,081; 5,648,083;5,863,663; 5,871,763; 6,060,149; 6,083,854; 6,623,834; and 6,733,773 andin U.S. Publication No. 2005/0008681A1.

In certain embodiments, more than one wipe is provided. The wipes may beprovided in a container. The container provides a means of enclosing thewipes in order to improve handling and delivery. Enclosing the wipes inthe container also inhibits evaporation or dissociation of the liquid orsemi-liquid composition that is impregnated into the wipe. FIG. 5Adepicts a container 530 housing a plurality of wipes 520. The container530 may be made of a polymeric film or metallic foil. The container 530may be disposed of upon depletion of the wipes 520. The container 530has an opening 532 through which the wipes 520 may be removed. Thecontainer 530 may have a closure flap 534 that may removably cover theopening 532. The container 530 may have a fastening system 536 that cansecure the closure flap 534 in a closed position over the opening 532.FIG. 5B depicts another suitable container 530. In this embodiment, thecontainer 530 is made of a more durable material such as molded plastic.The container 530 is shown with an opening 532 through which the wipes520 may be removed. This container 530 has a closure flap 534 that ispivotally attached to the container. The container 530 has a fasteningsystem 536 in the form of a latch for that can secure the closure flap534 in a closed position.

The childcare product may be provided by any suitable route. The typicalroute for providing a childcare product to a caregiver is by offeringthe childcare product for sale. The sale of the childcare product canoccur via a store. The childcare product may be given to the caregivergratuitously.

In certain embodiments, the childcare product comprises a graphic of acommon character 100 (as shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 5B). The commoncharacter 100 may also be associated with a prompt, a bedtime activitycard, an ancillary print media, or a point of purchase material. Thegraphic of a common character 100 can be provided by methods well knownin the art such as printing, molding, or embossing. For example, adiaper or a overwrap may be printed to provide a graphic of a commoncharacter 100. A wipe may be printed or embossed to provide a graphic ofa common character 100. A wipes container may be printed or molded toprovide a graphic of a common character 100.

The method (20) may comprise communicating (30) a prompt to thecaregiver to initiate the bedtime routine. The prompt serves as thereminder to the caregiver that the bedtime routine should be initiatedproximate to the prompt. The caregiver should begin the bedtime routineimmediately after prompt. However, in other embodiments, it should berecognized that the caregiver may not be able to immediately begin thenighttime routine after the prompt. The caregiver may be occupied inproviding care to the child or in performing other tasks such thatimmediate initiation of the bedtime routine is not feasible. As such,some flexibility is envisioned on when the caregiver will begin thenighttime routine, and the caregiver may initiate the bedtime routinesome period of time after the prompt. The caregiver may being theroutine within about 15, 30, 45, or 60 minutes after the prompt.However, times exceeding 60 minutes are possible. In certainembodiments, the period of time between the prompt and the initiation ofthe bedtime routine is consistently maintained if the bedtime routine isrepeated.

The prompt can be conveyed in a variety of modes. In certainembodiments, the prompt may be conveyed by one or more forms of massmedia. Suitable forms of mass media include television broadcast, radiobroadcast, internet transmission, and like forms of mass media where aprompt can be delivered at a prescribed time. In certain embodiments,the prompt may be conveyed by a timing device such as an alarm clock,timer, or other like device that can deliver a prompt at a prescribedtime. In other embodiments, the prompt may be conveyed by a personalcommunication device such as a telephone, cellular phone, personaldigital assistant (PDA), digital music player, or other personalelectronic device that can deliver a prompt at a prescribed time. Theprompt may be conveyed by one or more of the modes identified above.

The content of the prompt may be tailored for a given mode ofconveyance. The prompt is generally delivered audibly, visually, ortactilely. In one embodiment relevant to many modes of conveyance, theprompt may be in the form of a simple audible tone or tactile alert(e.g., a vibrating cellular phone) that signals that the bedtime routineshould begin. In other embodiments, the prompt may be spoken textalerting the caregiver. In other embodiments, the prompt may be a visualsignal such as a textual and/or pictorial message appearing via atelevised broadcast or via the internet.

In other embodiments, the prompt may be a story prompt. A story promptis a prompt that comprises a story, narrative, allegory, news, report,parable, fable, or the like so long as the content spurs the caregiverto initiate the bedtime routine. Generally, a story prompt is a promptcommunicated in an entertaining, educational, or informative manner. Forexample, the story prompt may be a video of a mother placing a child tobed. In another example, the story prompt may be an animated fable. Inanother example, the story prompt may be a report on the cognitivebenefits for children who received appropriate sleep. These storyprompts may, but are not necessarily, followed with a text or vocalmessage that communicates that it is time to begin the bedtime routine.

In certain embodiments, the prompt may contain a common character. Thecommon character may appear visually and/or the vocalizations related tothe common character may be used. For example, the prompt may be in theform of a short narrative comprising the common character. The narrativecan be audile and/or visible. For example, the content of the prompt maybe an animation of a mother bear placing a child bear to bed. The motherbear and/child bear may be a common character that is also present onother items such as the childcare product, a bedtime activity support, anotice, or a point-of-sale display.

In certain embodiments, the prompt may be an installment (“installmentprompt”). An installment prompt is one of a plurality of interrelatedprompts, wherein the prompts when taken together communicate or expressa whole concept. In certain embodiments, the installment promptscommunicates a portion of a story such that, when all prompts are takentogether, the story may be appreciated by the caregiver or child. Forexample, the story may involve a lost character trying to find its wayhome. Each installment prompt may relate to the common theme of thecharacter trying to find its way home. In other examples, eachinstallment prompt may build upon the previous prompt in order tocommunicate the entire story. In certain embodiments, the installmentprompt may include a common character or a common theme.

In certain embodiments, the prompt may include ancillary information ormay reference a bedtime activity support.

The prompt may be communicated in a time-appropriate manner. Forexample, a nightly bedtime routine may be initiated by atime-appropriate prompt communicated in the early evening such asbetween 8:00 P.M. and 10:00 P.M. A prompt communicated in the morning(e.g., 9:00 A.M) is not time-appropriate for initiating a nightlybedtime routine. In certain embodiments, the same or different promptsmay be communicated repeatedly at an interval of approximately 24 hours±30 minutes. For example, it may be desirable to communicate the prompton a first night at about 9:00 P.M. and then communicate the same or adifferent prompt on a second night at about 9:00 P.M. The repetition andtime consistency of the prompt is believed to be beneficial inestablishing a consistent bedtime routine. In certain embodiments, aprompt may be communicated at intervals of approximately 24 hours overthe course of 2 to 14 days. In other embodiments, a prompt may becommunicated at intervals of approximately 24 hours over the course of amonth (i.e., 28 consecutive days) or more.

In certain embodiments, a prompt is communicated via multiple outlets ofa common form of mass media. Multiple outlets include differenttelevision or radio channels, different television or radio networks, ordifferent television or radio broadcast frequencies. In a particularembodiment, a prompt is proximately communicated on at least two outletsof a common form of mass media. Proximately communicated includesembodiments where a portion of a first prompt is communicated on a firstoutlet at the same time that a portion of a second prompt iscommunicated on a second outlet. In other embodiments, the second promptis communicated within 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 minutes of a first prompt beingcommunicated on a first outlet. The first prompt and the second promptmay be the same or different prompts. In other embodiments, a prompt isproximately communicated on at least three, four, or more outlets of acommon form of mass media. In certain embodiments, a prompt isproximately communicated on different forms of mass media.

The bedtime routine is believed to be particularly reinforced if thechild is an active participant in the routine. In certain embodiments,the prompt may be directed to the child so that the child becomesinvolved with the bedtime routine. In such embodiments, the child maybecome aware that the prompt means that it is now time for bed. Afterthe prompt, the child may be able to be self-sufficient in a part or allof the childcare tasks or the bedtime activity. For example, the childmay be able to begin a childcare task such as washing his or her ownface or brushing his or her own teeth. For example, the child may beable to direct or perform the bedtime activity such as reading the storyor completing a puzzle.

The method (20) may comprise the step of providing a bedtime activitysupport (50) to the caregiver for use in a bedtime activity. The bedtimeactivity support is any component, device, or item that facilities astructured interaction between the caregiver and child. The interactionmay establish, reinforce, or improve the bedtime routine. In certainembodiments, the bedtime activity support is used in performing one ofthe events that, when taken together, comprise the bedtime routine.Suitable bedtime activity supports may include one or more of thefollowing: picture books, story books, story pamphlets, story cards,poems, songs, lullabies, video recordings in any suitable format, audiorecordings in any suitable format, computer programs, interactive media,games, puzzles, toys, puppets, and the like. The bedtime activitysupports are designed to provide the caregiver with the materials andinstructions to initiate a bedtime activity. In light of theaforementioned bedtime activity supports, the bedtime activities mayinclude singing songs, reading stories, watching a video recording,listening to an audio recording, playing with a toy or puppet, doing apuzzle, interacting with a computer program or other interactive media,and the like. The bedtime activity may be one of the events that formthe bedtime routine. The bedtime activity (and use of the bedtimeactivity support) is ideally repeated prior to each sleep event orapproximately after a prompt.

When not readily apparent, the bedtime activity support may beaccompanied with written guidance on how to use the bedtime activitysupport as part of the bedtime routine. For example, the bedtimeactivity support may include a puppet, text for a lullaby, and writtenguidance. The written guidance is provided to instruct the caregiver onhow the puppet should be used while the caregiver sings the lullaby.

In certain embodiments, the bedtime activity support may contain acommon character. For example, the picture books, story books, storypamphlets, story cards, or poems may include or reference the commoncharacter that is present in or on the childcare product, the prompt,the notice, or the point-of-sale display.

In certain embodiments, the bedtime activity support may be aninstallment bedtime activity support. An installment bedtime activitysupport is one of a plurality of interrelated bedtime activity supportsthat, when taken together, communicate or express a whole concept. Incertain embodiments, the installment bedtime activity supports are aplurality of story cards. Each story card communicates a portion of astory such that, when taken together, a complete story may beappreciated with all installments. For example, story cards may tell thestory of a character experiencing several adventures before going tobed. The installment bedtime activity supports may be provided to thecaregiver over a period of time so as to maintain the caregiver's and/orchild's interest in the bedtime activity. The bedtime activity supportmay be interrelated, for example, by having a common theme or a commoncharacter.

The bedtime activity support may be provided to the caregiver by anysuitable route. A typical route is to offer the bedtime activity supportfor sale. The sale of the childcare product can occur via a store.Additionally, the bedtime activity support may be given to the caregivergratuitously. The bedtime activity support may be delivered to thecaregiver through a common carrier (e.g., postal service, overnightmail, etc.) or through electronic transmission (e.g., e-mail, internetdownload, etc.).

In certain embodiments, the bedtime activity support is provided to thecaregiver by associating the bedtime activity support with the childcareproduct. The bedtime activity support may be joined to (e.g., attachedto or housed within) the childcare product to form a bedtime kit. Thebedtime activity support may be joined to a package that comprises thechildcare product. For example, FIGS. 4A-B illustrate a suitablechildcare product as a package 410 comprising a plurality of disposableabsorbent articles 420 fully or partially enclosed by an overwrap 430.The bedtime activity support may be connected to the package 410 (e.g.,affixed to the overwrap, printed to the overwrap, etc.) or may becontained in the package 410. In a suitable embodiment, the bedtimeactivity support may be a story card 450 provided to a caregiver withinthe package 410. In FIG. 4B, the story card 450 has been removed fromthe package and is ready for use. In another suitable embodiment, thebedtime activity support may be a story card 450 that is printed on theoverwrap of a package containing diapers or wipes. The story card 450may be removed from the package for use. Associating the childcareproduct and the bedtime activity support are believed to furtherstrengthen the success of a bedtime routine. Associating the childcareproduct and the bedtime activity support makes use of the product andsupport more convenient. The convenience and accessibility of thechildcare product and the bedtime activity support may facilitate theircontinued and repeated use, which further strengthens the bedtimeroutine.

In certain embodiments, the bedtime activity support may furthercomprise ancillary information.

The method (20) may comprise a step of communicating a notice (60) tothe caregiver. The notice is designed to alert, to inform, to educate,or to excite the caregiver about the prompt or bedtime routines. Thenotice may inform the caregiver about the purpose of the prompt, thechildcare product, and the bedtime activity and bedtime activitysupport. The notice may inform the caregiver about the importance ofsleep for a child and how a bedtime routine facilitates improved sleep.The notice ideally provides advance notification to the caregiver aboutthe method (20) or steps of the method (20) so that the caregiver maymake necessary preparations for a bedtime routine. Preparations caninclude making the child's bed or crib more sleep-friendly, becomingfamiliar with one or more bedtime activities and bedtime activitysupports, planning to be available for a prompt, purchasing necessarychildcare products, etc.

The notice may be communicated by many of the same modes by which theprompt is conveyed such as by one or more forms of mass media. Suitableforms of mass media include television broadcast, radio broadcast,internet or e-mail transmission, publication in magazines or newspapers,or direct mail. The notice may be conveyed by a personal communicationdevice such as a telephone, cellular phone, personal digital assistant(PDA), digital music player, or other personal electronic device capableof receiving and transmitting (e.g., visibly or audibly) the notice. Thenotice may be conveyed by one or more of the modes identified above.

The content of the notice may be tailored for a given mode ofcommunication. The notice is generally delivered audibly or visibly. Inone embodiment, the notice may be a printed advertisement in a magazineor newspaper. The notice ideally will communicate to the caregiver atleast the time the prompt will occur and the mode by which the promptwill be conveyed. The notice may include a common character.

A suitable notice may be provided by a newspaper or magazineadvertisement. The notice may have a common character that is alsopresent in a prompt. The notice may also contain text alerting thecaregiver about when the prompt will occur and what the caregiver shoulddo.

In certain embodiments, the notice may ideally include ancillaryinformation. By providing ancillary information in the notice, it isbelieved that the caregiver can prepare for the bedtime routine.Furthermore, ancillary information present in the notice may be tailoredtoward educating the caregiver that a bedtime routine should beestablished, reinstituted, or revised.

The method (20) may comprise a step of using a point-of-sale (POS)display (70). The POS display may be used to inform the caregiver of themethod (20) or of any one or more steps of the method (20). Inembodiments where the childcare product is provided for sale, it may bebeneficial to use a POS display in a store (e.g., grocery store,department store, wholesale club store, discount store, etc.). POSdisplays may be designed to alert, to inform, to educate, or to excitethe caregiver about the prompt or bedtime routines. The POS displays mayinform the caregiver about the purpose of the prompt, the childcareproduct, and the bedtime activity and activity support. The POS displaysmay inform the caregiver about the importance of sleep for a child andhow a bedtime routine facilitates improved sleep.

Suitable POS displays may include pamphlets, fliers, posters, placards,signs, flags, banners, display, floor overlays, audio transmissions,video displays, interactive computer interfaces, three dimensionaldisplays, kiosks, temporary or permanent structures, and the like.Suitable POS displays are described in copending application Ser. No.11/315026 entitled “Merchandising Method and System” filed Dec. 22,2005. Other suitable POS displays may include buttons and other apparelsuch as T-shirts, smocks, hats, and the like that may be worn bypersonnel in the store.

The POS display may comprise a common character.

FIG. 6A illustrates an elaborate array of POS displays in a store 600.The POS displays include signs 601, flags 602, a banner 603, a flooroverlay 604, a temporary structure 605, an interactive computerinterface 606, placards 607, and personnel apparel 608. The POS displaysmay also be associated (e.g., placed proximate to or to contain) withchildcare products such as packages of diapers 622 or containers ofwipes 624. The POS displays may also house or exhibit bedtime activitysupports such as, for example, DVDs 632, stuffed animals or toys 634,and books 636.

FIG. 6B illustrates another suitable array of POS displays that may beused in a store. The POS displays are arranged on a shelving unit 640.The POS displays include a sign 601, flags 602, and visual image 610 ofa common character 100. The POS displays are arranged around childcareproducts such as packages of diapers 622 or containers of wipes 624 andbedtime activity supports such as DVDs 632 and books 636. The shelvingunit 640 may be configured with other POS displays, childcare products,or bedtime activity supports.

All documents cited in the Detailed Description are, in relevant part,incorporated herein by reference; the citation of any document is not tobe construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to thepresent invention.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

1. A method for improving the bedtime routine of a child comprising: a.providing a childcare product to the caregiver, b. providing a bedtimeactivity support to the caregiver, and c. communicating a prompt to thecaregiver.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the prompt is communicatedby mass media.
 3. The method of claim 2 wherein the prompt isproximately communicated by two or more mass media outlets.
 4. Themethod of claim 2 wherein the mass media is television broadcast orradio broadcast.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the step ofcommunicating the prompt occurs between the hours of about 8 P.M. andabout 11 P.M.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of communicatingthe prompt repeats at least once after an interval of approximately 24hours.
 7. The method of claim 6 wherein the step of communicated theprompt repeats at least seven time after an interval of approximately 24hours.
 8. The method of claim 1 wherein the prompt comprises a commoncharacter.
 9. The method of claim 1 wherein the prompt is an installmentprompt.
 10. The method of claim 1 wherein the childcare productcomprises one or more disposable absorbent articles or wipes.
 11. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the childcare product comprises a commoncharacter.
 12. The method of claim 1 wherein the method furthercomprises the step of: d. using a point-of-sale display within a store.13. The method of claim 12 wherein said point-of-sale display providesinformation to the caregiver about one or more of the steps a., b., orc.
 14. The method of claim 12 wherein the point-of-sale display isselected from a group consisting of pamphlets, fliers, posters,placards, signs, flags, banners, display, floor overlays, audiotransmissions, video displays, interactive computer interfaces, threedimensional displays, kiosks, temporary structure, permanent structures,buttons, apparel, and combinations thereof.
 15. The method of claim 12wherein the point-of-sale display comprises a common character.
 16. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the bedtime activity support is selected froma group consisting of picture books, story books, story pamphlets, storycards, poems, songs, lullabies, video recordings, audio recordings,computer programs, interactive media, games, puzzles, toys, puppets, andcombinations thereof.
 17. The method of claim 1 wherein the bedtimeactivity support comprises a common character.
 18. The method of claim 1wherein the bedtime activity support is an installment bedtime activitysupport.
 19. The method of claim 1 wherein said method further comprisesa step of: e. communicating a notice to the caregiver, wherein saidnotice provides information to the caregiver about one or more of thesteps a., b., or c.
 20. A method for improving the bedtime routine of achild comprising: a. providing a childcare product to the caregiver,wherein said childcare product comprises one or more disposableabsorbent articles or wipes, b. providing a first bedtime activitysupport to the caregiver, c. communicating a first prompt to thecaregiver, and d. communicating a second prompt to the caregiver afteran interval of approximately 24 hours, wherein said first prompt andsaid second prompt are interrelated by a common character or a commontheme.
 21. An array of packages, said array comprising: a. a firstpackage comprising a first plurality of childcare products and a firstbedtime activity support, wherein said first bedtime activity supportfacilitates a first structured interaction between a caregiver and achild; and b. a second package comprising a second plurality ofchildcare product and a second bedtime activity support, wherein saidsecond bedtime activity support facilitates a second structuredinteraction between the caregiver and the child.
 22. The array of claim21 wherein the first bedtime activity support and second bedtimeactivity support is selected from a group consisting of picture books,story books, story pamphlets, story cards, poems, songs, lullabies,video recordings, audio recordings, computer programs, interactivemedia, games, puzzles, toys, puppets, and combinations thereof.
 23. Thearray of claim 21 wherein the first bedtime activity support and thesecond bedtime activity support each comprise a common character. 24.The array of claim 21 wherein the first bedtime activity support and thesecond bedtime activity support each comprise a common theme.
 25. Thearray of claim 21 wherein the first bedtime activity support comprises afirst portion of a story and the second bedtime activity supportcomprises a second portion of the story.
 26. The array of claim 21wherein the childcare products are disposable absorbent articles orwipes.
 27. The array of claim 21 wherein the first bedtime activitysupport and the second bedtime activity support further compriseancillary information.
 28. An array comprising at least three packages,wherein each package comprise a a. a plurality of childcare products,and b. a bedtime activity support, wherein the bedtime activity supportis an installment of a story, such that when said installments arecombined, said installments complete the story.
 29. The array of claim28 wherein the bedtime activity support is selected from a groupconsisting of picture books, story books, story pamphlets, story cards,poems, songs, lullabies, video recordings, audio recordings, computerprograms, or interactive media.
 30. The array of claim 28 wherein eachinstallment comprise a common character.
 31. The array of claim 28wherein each installment comprise a common theme.
 32. The array of claim28 wherein the childcare products are disposable absorbent articles orwipes.
 33. The array of claim 28 wherein each bedtime activity supportfurther comprises ancillary information.
 34. An array of materials insupport of a bedtime routine, said array of materials comprising: a. apoint-of-sale display for use in a store; and b. a package comprising aplurality of childcare products and a bedtime activity support, whereinsaid bedtime activity support facilitates a first structured interactionbetween a caregiver and a child; wherein said package is associated withthe point-of-sale display.
 35. The array of claim 34 wherein the bedtimeactivity support is selected from a group consisting of picture books,story books, story pamphlets, story cards, poems, songs, lullabies,video recordings, audio recordings, computer programs, interactivemedia, games, puzzles, toys, puppets, and combinations thereof.
 36. Thearray of claim 34 wherein the point-of-sale display is selected from agroup consisting of pamphlets, fliers, posters, placards, signs, flags,banners, display, floor overlays, audio transmissions, video displays,interactive computer interfaces, three dimensional displays, kiosks,temporary structure, permanent structures, buttons, apparel, andcombinations thereof.
 37. The array of claim 34 wherein the bedtimeactivity support and the point-of-sale display each comprise a commoncharacter.
 38. The array of claim 34 wherein the childcare products aredisposable absorbent articles or wipes.